by Athirah Sofea
In Part 1 we’ve discussed, with thoughtful planning, you will be able to deliver a clear and engaging presentation that not only conveys your message effectively but also achieve your communication objective.
There’s a saying that goes, “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” Preparation is the absolute crucial foundation for a successful presentation. Dedicate as much time to prepare thoroughly, as this can help calm your nerves, boost your confidence, and allow your presentation to run more smoothly.
Here are some tips on how you can elevate your presentation to new heights:
- Conceptualizing and framing your story
Framing what you want to say is the most vital part of the preparation. Take your audience on a journey, figure out where to start and where to end. Briefly introduce the topic, explain why the subject is important to you, and convince the audience. - Use metaphors to illustrate ideas
Brainstorm and pick the best metaphors. Studies have shown that descriptive words trigger the sensory cortex in our brains, bringing your message to life. - Use visuals to emphasize the key points
90% of information we take comes to us through our eyes, and it takes us one quarter of a second to process the meaning of a symbol. Use an image to reinforce take away points. Avoid using too many images that can cloud the message. - Use a tool to present your information
To further elevate the quality and experience of your presentation, you can explore presentation software that can create engaging transitions. For example, Prezi has a slick zooming-in function, which allows you to present in a nonlinear and engaging way. - Practise your presentation using bullet points on prompt cards
Practising gives you confidence. Make your points easy to remember by using prompt cards. Use one heading per card for each main point, supported by key phrases to remember in bullet points.
By following these tips and practising regularly, you can ensure that your presentation is effective, engaging, and memorable. This will not only help you achieve your objective but also leave a lasting impression on your audience.
